VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM

• US 20090284598A1
• Filed: 06/27/2007
• Published: 11/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yanfeng Czechia Automotive Interior Systems s.r.o.
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Chutorash, Richard J., Busch, David B., Laux, Peter C., Deuel, Eric S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,564,662 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/23 with a predetermined field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/302 combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/303 using joined images, e.g. multiple camera images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/305 merging camera image with lines or icons
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/70 characterised by an event-triggered choice to display a specific image among a selection of captured images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8013 for child monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8026 in addition to a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8086 for vehicle path indication

Abstract

The present vehicle vision system enhances visibility internally and externally with respect to the vehicle. A vision system is provided which is configured to switch between a plurality of modes. The system further includes a far-field effect which alters the focal length of the display in the vision system so as to reduce driver eye strain during operation. The vision system may be incorporated into various locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle overhead console).

Claims

1. A vision system for a vehicle, comprising:

a camera mounted on the vehicle;

a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and

a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.

2. An overhead console for use in a motor vehicle at least partially housing a vision system having a camera mounted on the vehicle, comprising:

a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is coupled to the overhead console; and

a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.

3. An in-vehicle display for use in a motor vehicle for displaying images from a camera mounted on the vehicle, comprising:

a control circuit configured to receive video signals from the camera;

a display coupled to the vehicle in the rearview mirror location and comprising a screen portion configured to display video images from the video signals; and

a lens configured to alter a focal length of the image displayed on the display assembly.

4. The display of claim 3, wherein the lens is mounted between the display assembly and a vehicle occupant.

5. The display of claim 3, wherein the lens is mounted between the display source and the display assembly.

6. The display of claim 3, wherein the display assembly comprises a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.

7. An overhead console for use in a motor vehicle at least partially housing a vision system having a camera mounted on the vehicle, comprising:

a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted within the overhead console;

a first screen portion attached to the vehicle configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode; and

a second screen portion comprising a mirror portion for reflecting images;

wherein the display source is configured to project video images onto the first screen portion, and wherein the second screen portion is configured with respect to the first screen portion in a manner to reflect the video image at a distance, with respect to the display source, greater than the distance between the display source and the second screen portion.

8. The overhead console of claim 7, further comprising:

a mounting bracket coupling the display source and the second screen portion so that the display source is parallel with respect to the second screen portion.

9. The overhead console of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and second screen portions is deformable.

10. A vision system for a vehicle, comprising:

a camera mounted on the vehicle;

a display source connected to the camera and configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and

a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode;

wherein the rear viewing system is configured to change between the first mode and second mode automatically.

11. A method of displaying an image to an operator of a motor vehicle at an adjusted focal length, comprising:

providing a display assembly configured to display an image, wherein the image defines a focal length with respect to any location in the motor vehicle;

providing a lens configured to alter a perception of the focal length of the image with respect to the same location in the motor vehicle; and

interposing the lens between the display assembly and the operator in a manner to effectuate the perception of a distorted focal length.

12. A vision system for a vehicle, comprising:

a camera mounted on the vehicle;

a display source connected to the camera and configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and

a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode;

wherein the rear viewing system is deformable, configured to have a flat surface or a concave surface and wherein the concave surface may be curved with respect to a lateral, horizontal and/or vertical axis.

13. A bracket for a vision system, comprising:

a first distal end that includes a flange to which a reflective surface is coupled; and

a second distal end that includes a flange to which a pivot assembly and screen portion is coupled;

wherein the bracket is configured to enable the first distal end and second distal end to pivot with respect to an axis without changing the position of the of the first distal end and the second distal end with respect to another axis.

14. A vision system with heads up display for a vehicle, comprising:

a camera mounted on the vehicle;

a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and

a display assembly comprising a selectively transparent screen portion configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a predetermined mode;

wherein the screen portion may be located on a side window, windshield, overhead console, center stack console, instrument cluster, rear view mirror and/or any other location on the vehicle.

15. The vision system of claim 14, further comprising:

a treated segment of the screen portion that is covered with an ultraviolet solution so that only images projected via ultraviolet lighting can be viewed on the treated segment of the screen portion.